Window Shopping (Tag: Loki)
Idun didn't care what anyone said. Minnesota knew how to do malls. She hadn't spent much time in this particular region of this particular country, so Idun didn't actually know what else Minnesota was capable of, but she was definitely pleased with the mall. It was huge. It would never replace tiny village markets or ancient exotic bazaars in her heart, but the mall was still pretty fun. There were rides. There were all sorts of delicious foods to sample. And there was an aquarium. Idun spent an hour staring at seahorses. Now she had a milkshake in one hand and a gift shop bag containing a turtle-shaped hat in the other. There was no way to top a turtle hat. Rather than trying, Idun decided to spend the rest of her time in Minnesota window-shopping.
She hadn't expected to see an old friend through one of the windows, but, like the terrible window-shopper she was, once Idun saw him, she had to have him.
For a few moments, Idun remained outside the shop, even though she knew she'd be going in soon. She stayed outside and felt her brow furrow. Her head tilted curiously to one side. Loki was free. Idun knew this. Bragi had told her. His freedom had sparked a fight, but looking at Loki, Idun didn't really care. It was her fault Bragi had been upset. Not Loki's. Not this time, anyway. She continued looking and remained slightly confused. Loki was free, but he hadn't come to the orchard. He hadn't tracked her down. Their reunion would take place in Minnesota, in a mall, as he pieced through some very ugly jewelry and she sipped on a triple chocolate milkshake.
It was kind of stunning, actually. And, stunned, Idun finally walked into the shop, approached her friend, and somehow managed to not tackle him in a huge, ridiculous, dramatic hug. Because she was stunned.
Instead, Idun got a better look at what he was considering, confirmed that it was horrible, and found herself saying "Loki, put that down, it's ugly."